Ascot Park trainer Robert Dennis continued his good run of form at his home track on Sunday, securing a winning double and bookending the eight-race meeting in the process.
“We have won five races in eight days now, so we have been going alright,” he said.
Hasstobeyou kicked off the meeting in winning fashion when taking out the Editor’s Cut Sports Bar Handicap (1200m).
The daughter of Darci Brahma was tardily away but quickly made up her early deficit and found herself in the trail behind pacemaker Papagena. Hasstobeyou enjoyed the economical trip, however, Jockey Kendra Bakker had to guide her charge four-wide down the straight to find clear running room where Hasstobeyou quickly found the lead and ran out a 1-1/4 length victor.
“We didn’t expect her to be slow out of the barriers, but she is certainly a better chaser than a leader, so that worked out well,” Dennis said.
“She looked the winner a long way out. She got out just in time and boomed home over the top of them. It was quite impressive in the end.”
Black-type targets are the ultimate aim with the six-year-old, however, Dennis said he will consult with her owners before making any concrete plans.
“She is possibly coming up to the end of her preparation, she may only have a couple of more starts in her,” he said.
“We had a go at a Group Three last time and they (owners) would certainly like to get some black-type with her.
“I will just talk with the owners and come up with a plan.”
The stable finished the meeting like they started it, with The Royal Diva taking out the Northern Sports Bar & TAB Handicap (1600m).
“It was really nice to get a win for the family and their stallion, The King,” Dennis said “She had a freshen-up after her last run which seemed to do her the world of good. She was quite impressive too. I don’t how good the horses are that she beat, but all they can do is win.”
Earlier on the card, stablemate The Princie One made her first raceday appearance in nearly a year when runner-up in The Ave Sports Bar Maiden (1200m).
The daughter of Savabeel will now head for a spell and Dennis believes the best is still ahead of her.
“She has been a frustrating horse, she is her own worst enemy at times,” he said. “We expected a little bit better yesterday, so she is going to go out now for three or four months, have a really good break and clear her head.
“The family all get better with time and she will get the opportunity for that too.”
Meanwhile, Dennis is looking forward to heading to Riccarton on Saturday where Great Time will contest the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m), while stablemate On Song will also trek north to line-up in the rating 65 1200m event.
“They are both last start winners and both were very impressive,” Dennis said. “They will be stepping up in company, but I am very confident they can both cope with it.”
